Celebrating Milestones

For today’s post I have a few blog-related topics that I would like to cover with the last one being the most significant. While I would have liked to have included my blog anniversary to make it a trifecta of milestones, that isn’t until July 16th. That’s when I will have been blogging for 8 years so because of that, you get two milestones. Now let’s get going.

First and foremost, welcome to Post 1,000. Over the span of eight years that comes out to about 125 posts per year, or about a 33% blogging average per year. I have to admit that I’m a bit surprised that I actually do blog that much, all things considered.

The second topic is also blog-related but has little to do with me or at least I will make it so.

Today, July 5, 2012, the Blogger Formerly Known As Kimberly Dowd and her boyfriend WM – short for Wandering Minstrel as she refers to him on her blog – were wed in a small ceremony as they so wished for.

And while I haven’t met the newly renamed Kimberly Dowd Russell in person, I’ve been fortunate enough to read about the parts of her life she has chosen to share with the world – the good and the bad. As a blogger who is subscribed to her blog and looks forward to each new post, I feel as if I have come to know her personally as if we had met in real life and with me spilling my guts here, the feeling may be mutual.

I can tell you a list of her favorite musical groups, a few of her hobbies, the names of her pets, the pain of her divorce. I even know the first post of mine she commented on. She’s a regular here and like all of my visitors who are kind enough to leave comments, her presence here is appreciated.

With all that out of the way, I would now like to offer my most heartfelt congratulations to her and WM by way of a virtual toast. Even if I’m not dressed for the occasion, I’ve got my non-alcoholic beverage ready and yes, it’s in a Disneyland mug:

To the Newlyweds:

First of all, congratulations. Your lives are about to change for the better. I know this.

Kimberly, if there is one thing that I take immense pride in, it’s my judge of character. This explains why I let so few people into my personal life. I choose wisely and those that do have access to my little world know they can trust me and I can trust them way beyond the life I share on this here blog. It’s my way of telling them I appreciate them.

That said, in the time I’ve gotten to know you via this strange series of tubes, I’ve have come to several conclusions. No matter which version of yourself you are constructing (currently Kimberly 4.0), I have found you to be a genuine, honest, kind and caring person with a big heart who but who isn’t afraid to speak their mind when necessary. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re a lot like me.

(plays “big laughs” cut from laugh track reel)

But seriously, that’s the impression I’ve gotten from all of your comments on my blog, on Facebook and on Fark where I’m pretty sure I saw your snark shine through and that made me shoot soda through my nose. I’m also quite sure that’s where I first saw a link to your blog that I have been following since. Your friends are very lucky to have you in their lives and I’m fortunate to be graced by your presence here. And in your marriage, I can’t be happier for you.

WM, I can’t say much beyond what I know about you which is very little. But that’s okay – Kimberly thinks you’re the cat’s meow and I’m not one to argue the point. You’re a very lucky man. Period.

For the both of you…

I wish you love: the biggest, bestest, romantic love either of you has ever had for a significant other. I wish you more than just hand-in-hand walks on the beach and moonlight drives, I wish you the love that couples share just being with each other. I wish you love in the form of unscheduled and goofy pillow fights, miniature golf date nights, or even Mad Libs books. Love – love is all you need.

I wish you success: may your respective careers take you to places you never thought possible and if they don’t, know that in your new spouse you have a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, two arms to embrace you and make you feel better. In short, be there for each other no matter the circumstances.

I wish you family: I’ve often said that there is no better role than that of a parent and I mean that. While I’m uncertain of what you may think about starting a family, know that you can be the richest person in the world and still not have the mental capability to handle the responsibility of a child. Ann and I have struggled in the eight years Anthony has been in our lives but we’ve managed to get by and raise him right. Yes, raising a child requires having your finances in order but raising one that is honest, smart, and mature beyond their years is a direct reflection of their parents. I’m quite sure the two of you are up to that task.

I wish you happiness: enjoy life’s little moments. Grab your phone and capture them without posting them to a social media site and if you can’t, never let go of the memories – never. In our 19 years of marriage, I have plenty that I didn’t capture largely due in part to the fact that our phones were just phones back in the ‘90s but I still have the memories.

Finally, I wish you life: may the two of you grow old together and laugh together long after you are both eligible for AARP. May love’s twinkle never fade from your eyes and may you still wish upon stars as you walk arm-in-arm into your Golden Years.

(raises Disneyland mug high above head)

To Kimberly and WM. May your marriage be filled with all that you’ve wished for and more. Salud, l’chaim, etc. etc. etc.

(takes huge swig of Cherry Diet Pepsi from mug)

Congratulations, you crazy kids. Now where’s my piece of cake?